The RA-LR2 Red Talon began development after an ARM salvage team acquired an intact USIF ISD-V2 Vanguard, the predecessor of the ISD-V4 Vanguard sniper rifle, and brought it to their weapon research groups for study and analysis. After a series of tests and successful reverse-engineering, the ARM had developed a fully operational long range weapon system optimized for use by power armored infantry.

The Red Talon received significant improvements in the days following the Outer Rim War.

The RA-LR2 possesses extreme stopping power and immense accuracy, utilizing kinetic mass drivers to propel its massive .85 caliber round, wreaking havoc to infantry and armored vehicles alike. For near-perfect accuracy at even the most extreme ranges, the rifle is equipped with advanced optical technology, which interfaces directly to the soldier’s HUD.

The only significant difference between the Red Talon and the Vanguard is mere aesthetics- the Red Talon features an open barrel exposing the rail propellers, whereas the Vanguard's barrel is fully enclosed.

The Red Talon fires a large .85 caliber rail slug similar to the Vanguard, making it suitable for penetrating everything from shielded, power armored infantry to assault vehicles.

Newer Red Talon models retain many of the same basic features as the older ones, such as the rail propulsion system and advanced optical technology. Ammunition also retains the same Mk2 electromagnetic jacketing system that shreds through shielding and armor. However, newer models feature a sleeker aesthetic design, larger scope with more precise targeting systems, higher rate of fire, and the ability to be modified with different types of ammunition. But the most significant change to the new models are the larger caliber rail rounds they fire- from the .85 caliber slug in previous models upgunned to a massive 1.20 caliber rail slug. Newer models also feature a lens cap above the scope that can be folded up when needed.

Oddly, newer Red Talon models feature a more primitive ammunition feed system. Instead of power clips, a soldier must slide back a chamber that holds a more traditional clip with solid ammo. After a new ammo clip is inserted, the soldier slides the chamber back into place and the weapon is ready to fire.